Wedding Etiquette

Now that I am a wedding planner, I wish I would have paid a little more attention throughout my six year stint in cotillion. I never thought etiquette would have somewhat taken over my life. With weddings becoming less traditional by the day, it is hard for brides to keep up with what is acceptable and what is out right TACKY.

I received a recent phone call from a local publication (which I will keep anonymous to spare them the embarrassment) who wanted me to go on the record about bridal etiquette. The first question was “What is the proper way for a bride and groom to ask for cash in lieu of a gift?” Ughhh, seriously? The caller proceeded to ask me what I thought about the latest trend- registering for your mortgage payments! This had to be a prank call, right? It wasn’t! Brides, I know that this is your special day but let’s not forget our manners. In no way shape or form is it okay to ask for money, mortgage payments, college funds, or anything along those lines. Here are a few other issues that I PERSONALLY think are etiquette mistakes:

· Pre-printed thank you cards
I know that it takes FOREVER to hand write 200 cards but think about the time, money and effort each guest put into attending your wedding and purchasing you a gift. Writing a few sentences and slapping on your John Hancock is the least that you can do to thank them.

· Registry cards
It is one thing if you want to put your registry information on your bridal shower invitations but it should never appear anywhere on or in your actual wedding invitation. There are plenty of ways your guests can find out where you are registered if they want to go that route.

· Making your guests pay for parking
Your guests are already spending enough money to attend your wedding. Travel accommodations, your wedding gift, a new outfit to wear… it all adds up! If you choose a venue that charges for parking make sure you can foot the bill.

· Cash bars
Just like the parking situation, guests should feel like a guest, and not have to keep pulling out their wallet for things that you chose to have at your wedding. If a bar is not in your budget, then don’t have one at all!

· Inviting people to pre-wedding parties and not the wedding
This applies to engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc. When guests are invited to a pre-wedding celebration, they usually expect an invitation to the wedding. By not sending one, you will most definitely hurt someone’s feelings and will leave people thinking that you were only looking for a gift!